My name is Sandra Weaver-Hall
I have had cats and dogs all of my life. I started showing and breeding purebred dogs some 50 years ago - the Borzoi and Poodle, the big elegant Russian hound and the delightful smart Toy Poodle. I still own and breed very occasionally both the big (Standard) and Toy Poodles under the Obanya prefix.
So, I came to cat showing and breeding after 15 years of being active in the dog world. My initial breed choice was the Russian Blue, but after seeing and feeling a Rex coated cat - weird but wonderful, I was hooked and ordered a Cornish Rex. This was in 1971 and that started my involvement and passion for these breeds, which is still there. Always interested in a challenge and especially the genetics in animal breeding, I introduced some additional colours and concentrated on improving the coat coverage and ripple in the Cornish Rex as well as aiming/maintaining the correct type.
I have also tackled the dilute colours in the Abyssinian and also the gorgeous Somali. Some 20 or so years or more ago, I added the 'picture postcard' (and now Whiskas logo) silver spotted and then the tipped British Short hair, as well going onto a range of other colours/patterns available in this breed, mainly concentrating on the tabby patterns.
The Singapura breed captured me many years ago as I saw some of the first imports from the USA up in Queensland. This small breed is so captivating with the beautiful smooth sepia toned and ticked coat over a lithe but muscled body, with such a cheeky expression, you can’t help but be drawn to them if you like a cat with ‘attitude’!
Today I no longer breed the Abyssinian or the Somali, I am concentrating on Singapura, British Short hair, Cornish Rex and my first true love, the lovely Russian.
My life in cats has been an all-consuming one - administration starting as Secretary of Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (in Victoria) and then Chairman for many years. I was heavily involved in running shows and club work as well as going to shows, exhibiting a car full of cats virtually every weekend. Seminars and breed presentations both here and interstate also were on my agenda.
I eventually achieved the status of All Breeds Judge with GCCFV judging in most states in Australia and New Zealand. Cat Shows today are an opportunity for everyone to enjoy an informative and relaxed (and inexpensive) day out with the family. The judge talks about each exhibit as well as placing them. The owners are always willing to informally show and talk to interested visitors about their breed or exhibit.
So consider this wonderful hobby for yourself if you are doing research into breeds now.
I have had cats and dogs all of my life. I started showing and breeding purebred dogs some 50 years ago - the Borzoi and Poodle, the big elegant Russian hound and the delightful smart Toy Poodle. I still own and breed very occasionally both the big (Standard) and Toy Poodles under the Obanya prefix.
So, I came to cat showing and breeding after 15 years of being active in the dog world. My initial breed choice was the Russian Blue, but after seeing and feeling a Rex coated cat - weird but wonderful, I was hooked and ordered a Cornish Rex. This was in 1971 and that started my involvement and passion for these breeds, which is still there. Always interested in a challenge and especially the genetics in animal breeding, I introduced some additional colours and concentrated on improving the coat coverage and ripple in the Cornish Rex as well as aiming/maintaining the correct type.
I have also tackled the dilute colours in the Abyssinian and also the gorgeous Somali. Some 20 or so years or more ago, I added the 'picture postcard' (and now Whiskas logo) silver spotted and then the tipped British Short hair, as well going onto a range of other colours/patterns available in this breed, mainly concentrating on the tabby patterns.
The Singapura breed captured me many years ago as I saw some of the first imports from the USA up in Queensland. This small breed is so captivating with the beautiful smooth sepia toned and ticked coat over a lithe but muscled body, with such a cheeky expression, you can’t help but be drawn to them if you like a cat with ‘attitude’!
Today I no longer breed the Abyssinian or the Somali, I am concentrating on Singapura, British Short hair, Cornish Rex and my first true love, the lovely Russian.
My life in cats has been an all-consuming one - administration starting as Secretary of Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (in Victoria) and then Chairman for many years. I was heavily involved in running shows and club work as well as going to shows, exhibiting a car full of cats virtually every weekend. Seminars and breed presentations both here and interstate also were on my agenda.
I eventually achieved the status of All Breeds Judge with GCCFV judging in most states in Australia and New Zealand. Cat Shows today are an opportunity for everyone to enjoy an informative and relaxed (and inexpensive) day out with the family. The judge talks about each exhibit as well as placing them. The owners are always willing to informally show and talk to interested visitors about their breed or exhibit.
So consider this wonderful hobby for yourself if you are doing research into breeds now.
